Brightwell Rabbiteye Blueberry
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate to Fast (1-2 ft/year)
- Full Sun
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Native to Georgia
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About Brightwell Rabbiteye Blueberry
Brightwell Rabbiteye Blueberry is one of the most widely planted blueberry cultivars in Georgia, a Rabbiteye type (Vaccinium virgatum) bred at the University of Georgia specifically for Southern growing conditions, producing heavy crops of medium-sized, flavorful berries beginning in mid-June. It grows into a vigorous upright shrub 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide and, as a Rabbiteye variety, is notably more heat and drought tolerant than Northern Highbush blueberries, making it far better suited to Gwinnett County's hot summers. Like nearly all blueberries, Brightwell is only partially self-fruitful; planting a second Rabbiteye variety such as Powderblue or Climax nearby dramatically increases fruit set and berry size through cross-pollination. Blueberries require distinctly acidic soil, ideally pH 4.5-5.5, which is more acidic than most Georgia clay without amendment, so incorporating pine bark fines or peat at planting is essential. Full sun produces the heaviest fruit crop. Established plants can produce for decades with minimal care beyond annual pruning and consistent moisture during fruit development.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 6-8 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 5-6 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, especially during fruiting |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring flowers, Summer fruit (mid-June harvest) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Brightwell Rabbiteye Blueberry in full sun in soil amended heavily with pine bark fines or peat moss to achieve the acidic pH (4.5-5.5) blueberries require; Georgia clay is rarely acidic enough without amendment. Plant at least one other Rabbiteye variety within 50 feet for cross-pollination and maximum fruit set. Water consistently, especially May through July during fruit development. Mulch with pine straw or bark to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity.
Fast Facts
- University of Georgia-bred Rabbiteye blueberry cultivar
- Mature size: 6-8 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide
- Harvest begins mid-June
- Needs a second Rabbiteye variety for best cross-pollination
- Requires acidic soil, pH 4.5-5.5
- Native species (Vaccinium virgatum), heat and drought tolerant
Pairs Well With
Brightwell Rabbiteye Blueberry FAQs
Do I need two blueberry bushes to get fruit?
Yes, while Rabbiteye blueberries like Brightwell can self-pollinate to a limited degree, planting a second, different Rabbiteye variety such as Powderblue or Climax within about 50 feet dramatically increases fruit set, berry size, and overall yield through cross-pollination. Most Georgia growers plant at least two compatible varieties.
What soil pH do blueberries need?
Blueberries need distinctly acidic soil, ideally a pH between 4.5 and 5.5, which is more acidic than most unamended Georgia clay. Incorporating generous amounts of pine bark fines or peat moss at planting, and mulching with pine straw, helps achieve and maintain the acidity blueberries require to thrive.